Hair and now

The job involves advising people on the latest hair trends and what may look good on them. It requires creativity and ability to visualise which hairstyle may suit a person on a particular occasion.

The lowdown
The job involves advising people on the latest hair trends and what may look good on them. It requires creativity and ability to visualise which hairstyle may suit a person on a particular occasion. A top stylist has sound knowledge of modern hair management techniques and makes sure the clients get the best results where their looks are concerned without their hair being damaged in the process. Many hairstylists also sell beauty products and are involved in the business aspect of a salon and may execute managerial duties

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Clock Work
9am: Reach the salon and start attending to clients
11am: If there are multiple salons, one needs to be in touch with them
12pm: Client meetings
1.30pm: Lunch
2.30pm: Get on with work
7pm: Leave for home
8pm: Sit down with the latest magazines and watch fashion channels to see what the international hair trends are
10pm: Dinner

The payoff
One can start with a ‘branded’ hairstylist and earn R16,000 to R17,000 per month. After about three years in the industry, the salary at a good salon can be R35,000 to R40,000 a month. Exams conducted by salons for promoting a hairstylist can cost a lot, in the bracket of R70,000 to R80,000. But then the sky is the limit if you have your own salon and have made a mark in the field

Getting There
No specific qualification is required to become a hairstylist. However, it would help if one has finished college or at least school. There are institutes that allow students who have passed Class 10 to take up a course in hairstyling. The first step is to join a good institute that can equip one in the art and science of hairstyling. Do a background check of the institute first and only then enrol
yourself

Institutes
. Habib’s Hair Academy, New Delhi
. Big Boss Beauty Parlour, Borivali (West), Mumbai
. Eves Beauty Parlor and Academy One Ninety Four, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi
. Elle Passion Salon, Spa and Academy, Faridabad
. South Delhi Polytechnic for Women, New Delhi
. Men's World International Institute, New Delhi

Pros and cons
. A famous hairstylist gets to work with celebrities
. Given salon rates these days, it is very good money for work that doesn't take much time and energy
. One needs to be on one's feet for long hours, so it can be tiring
. Customers can be unreasonable, but they cannot be told off
. One needs to constantly upgrade their skills
. One needs to keep a check on global hairstyle trends